5 Questions to Ask Before You Quit Nursing

If you have a job lined up: Sure, you’re frustrated with difficult patients, shift changes, and the antics of the head nurse, but does leaving hurt your long-term career plans? Take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Is there a different department at the hospital that you’d be happier in? How can you get from where you are to that position? Is it worth sticking it out? Leaving always seems like the best answer short-term, but with a bit of hard work, you could end up in a better place by staying.

If you have a job: A gap in your employment could definitely have adverse effects on your long-term nursing career. If you are determined to walk away from your job into unemployment, make sure that you are using your extra time to advance your skills and experience in the health care field. Too much downtime without any experience gained will raise major red flags with future employers.

If you have the answers to all these questions, then you’re in a good position to leave. Just make sure you’re polite and diplomatic when leaving, and be respectful of your former employer. You never know when one of your old nurses could be your new boss!